Gil joins Villa from Valencia

Birmingham, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Aston Villa has completed the signing of midfielder Carles Gil from Valencia, signing the Spain U-21 international to a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 22-year-old moves to Villa Park for a fee of nearly $5 million, and he becomes the first January signing for Villa boss Paul Lambert.

"Once I knew that this club was interested in me I wanted to join," said Gil. "I am really looking forward to playing here and showing the fans what I can do. I can play on either side or in the middle of midfield and I like playing as part of the team, making things happen for my teammates."

Gil has spent the past two seasons on loan at Elche before returning to Valencia to score one goal in eight La Liga matches this term.

The Villains have managed just 11 goals in 21 Premier League games this season, the lowest total in the league.

And Lambert will hope that the addition of Gil can provide a bit of a creative spark to his sputtering attack.

"We've been on the lookout for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra element to the side," said Lambert. "He's only 22 but he will come here and give us something I don't think we have at the moment. He can play either role, coming in off the sides or playing in behind as well. He can create chances and get those chances put away. He has a lot to offer and I know we can get the best out of him."